Verdict due in top judge’s obstruction trial

The Supreme Court’s director general was not informed about the alleged stoppage of an online communications portal used across government agencies on February 4 and 5, a court heard Sunday, as a verdict looms in a case involving the country’s top judge.

Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed is on trial for obstruction of state functions after he allegedly ordered the halt of the government e-letter management system (GEMS) to block the delivery of three letters. He denies the charge.

Saeed expressed concern over the court’s decision and said the evidence against him proved the charge is “fabricated.”

The closing arguments will be heard Monday morning, with lawyers preparing for a long hearing and a verdict.

Saeed faces a prison term of four months and 24 days if found guilty. He is also on trial for separate charges of terrorism, influencing official conduct and obstruction of justice. He denies these charges also.